"Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) in Latin American Politics"

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) in Latin American Politics

The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) / Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien is an independent social-science research institute based in Hamburg. It analyses political, social, and economic developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, and links this knowledge to questions of global significance. It combines region-specific analysis with innovative comparative research on accountability and participation, peace and security, globalisation and development, and global orders and foreign policies. The GIGA seeks to appoint a

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) in Latin American Politics

Applications are invited for a full-time position, with an initial contract of three years and the possibility of another three years after successful evaluation and depending on the availability of funds. The successful applicant should start as soon as possible. The position is designed for further professional qualification as defined in § 2 WissZeitVG (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act). The salary is commensurate with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD.

We are searching for a candidate who conducts excellent social scientific research on Latin American politics, with clear policy relevance. The successful candidate will be a Research Fellow at the GIGA Institute for Latin American Studies. While thematic specialisation is open, we expect the candidate to incorporate their research agenda into one or more of the GIGA’s four cross-regional Research Programmes (https://www.giga-hamburg.de/en/the-giga/research-programmes). We also expect the successful candidate to participate in knowledge exchange and outreach activities (policy advisory activities, media engagement). There are no teaching obligations for this position, but it will be possible to teach at one of GIGA’s partner universities. German language skills are not a requirement for the position.

Mandatory qualifications:

• a doctoral degree (or submitted by time of appointment) in political science or a related social science field (e.g. sociology/social policy, public policy)
• emerging track record in top peer-reviewed journals in the social sciences.
• policy-relevant research agenda
• field research experience in Latin America
• proven proficiency of state-of-the-art social science methods (quantitative and/or qualitative)
• fluency in English and in Spanish or Portuguese

Desired qualifications:

• experience with policy exchange and knowledge transfer activities

Part-time options will be considered, if so desired by the successful candidate. Diversity and the reconciliation of work and family life are of great importance to the institute. The GIGA promotes the equality of all genders. Additionally, we actively encourage applications from persons with disabilities.

Please fill out the application form and send your application consisting of a short cover letter, CV (including publications and names of two reference letter writers, max. 4 pages), a research outline (1 page), and copies of MA and PhD transcripts), as one document to the address below. Please also provide one written sample as a separate PDF, with your last name included in the file name. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit credentials/diplomas/certificates and to request reference letters to be sent. Please send your application to

German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) GIGA Institute for Latin American Studies
Neuer Jungfernstieg 21, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
Email: jobs-26-02@giga-hamburg.de (email applications are particularly welcome). Screening of applications will begin on 25 February 2026.

For further information, please visit the GIGA homepage (www.giga-hamburg.de). Specific inquiries can be directed to Prof. Dr. Merike Blofield (email: Merike.blofield@giga-hamburg.de).